Despite my entering for lunch 17 minutes before close on Monday
afternoon, the staff was friendly, the service was prompt and the food was
delicious. Despite my faux pas, I was warmly greeted - no employees tapped
their foot or pointed to a pretend wristwatch waiting for me to leave.

It's that level of customer service that earned Sandi's first
place in Niagara Frontier Publications' recent restaurant contest.

"We're in the 'making people happy' business," said Dan Clark, who
operates the Wheatfield restaurant alongside his wife - the eatery's namesake -
Sandi Clark.

"We feel like we work for (our customers)," she added. "We're here
because they come in. That's what keeps us going."

For a little more than one month, readers voted online at www.wnypapers.com for the Western New York
restaurants with the friendliest, most professional service. Sandi's was tops
with 37 percent of the votes. The Youngstown Village Diner was second with 26
percent.

Some of the comments left for Sandi's included:

•"Fantastic service! Fast, right and with a smile."

•"Waitresses are friendly and always remember your name and stop
to say 'hello.' They remember your likes and dislikes. Food is fresh and
homemade and reasonably priced. If you don't like something, they will redo it
and/or comp your meal. The owners ... can be seen stopping at all the tables
talking to customers ... to make sure everyone is satisfied. There is always a
friendly, family atmosphere. Sandi's is the best!"

•"Everyone always has a smile on their face, the service is quick
and efficient, and the owners are always there to greet you and make you feel
like an old family friend!"

In response, Dan and Sandi thanked their customers and those who
voted.

"We're so very proud; that's exciting," she said. "It means a lot
to us. We're trying to do the best for our customers."

"It makes us very proud," he noted. "It gives us a sense of
accomplishment."

Sandi's has been serving homemade meals, one-pan breakfasts and
delectable lunch sandwiches for 17 years. Most menu items are priced below $8,
and many include home fries, french fries or chips.

Find Sandi's online at www.sandis.biz.
The restaurant is located at 2065 River Road at Williams Road (just past The
Summit mall). Hours of operation are 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday through
Thursday, and from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday.